Also known as Computer Science. This year-long course is for 7th-grade students who want to learn how to program a basic 3D video game, program a web page in HTML, and dabble in app development. This fast-paced, deadline-oriented course is for beginners and a pathway to Advanced Tech (8th-grade year).
The wheel (tripod) is a year-long elective program for 7th graders, divided into 3 trimesters. Students sample electives in Computers, Art, and Visual Arts (Wood Shop). In Computers, they learn basic applications and research skills. In Art, students create original pieces with various materials while exploring historical and cultural aspects. In Visual Arts (Woodshop), the focus is on safety and the use of hand and power tools, as students learn to create projects from working drawings.
This course will focus on the message and mood of design and visual art through the use of art elements, imaging, graphic design, and 3D art. This course will also include a host of mini-lessons on some art history, culture, and professional application. Students will learn multiple media, elements, and principles of art, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills in this project-based course.
Middle School Spanish is the same as High School Spanish I, but this course is taught over two years instead of one. Students take 1A in 7th Grade and complete 1B in 8th Grade. When students enroll in 9th Grade, they will have completed one (High School) level of Spanish and be well prepared to enter Spanish 2. Students must complete both years to complete the Spanish 1 course.
In this course, students learn to read, write, listen, and speak Spanish at a basic level. Students learn how to greet people, talk about where they live and come from, their likes and dislikes, and describe personalities, physical features, and what they do every day.
If a student plans to attend a 4-year university after graduating from high school, they must take a foreign language. Cal State Universities require two (High School) levels of Spanish (or French, German, etc.), but recommend three levels. The University of California schools require three (High School) levels of a language, but recommend four.
The Beginning/Intermediate Band is a one-year course open to all 7th and 8th-grade students who wish to play instruments such as the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, or concert percussion. Prior musical knowledge is recommended, but not required. Students develop their musical skills through a focus on music theory, rhythms, note reading, articulation, dynamics, and tone quality, at their skill level, in preparation for public performances across various genres.
*Video Audition Required. The Advanced Band is a one-year course open to 7th and 8th-grade students who wish to continue their music education on instruments such as flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and concert percussion. To join, students must have completed one year in the Beginning/Intermediate Band; otherwise, a video audition is required. If you were in Band class at El Rancho last year, you do not need to complete a video audition. We cover music theory, rhythms, note reading, articulation, dynamics, and tone quality to develop musicianship and professional performance skills of varying styles.
Communication Technology is a year-long course that uses various applications to complete a variety of project-based learning. Throughout the year, students will explore multimedia presentation theory and creation, digital citizenship, gamification, financial literacy (including a stock market game), and video production. No prior experience is necessary to enroll in this course.
Photoshop is the leading digital image editing application for the internet, print, and other media disciplines. It’s embraced by millions of graphic artists, print designers, visual communicators, and regular people like you. This powerful tool is used to enhance and edit pictures you’ve seen on posters, book covers, magazines, brochures, and the internet. Students will learn to edit and enhance photos, design posters, and print media. This course is open to 7th- and 8th-graders, and no prior Photoshop experience is required.
The intermediate/advanced class requires an audition (or teacher recommendation) and will cover intermediate/advanced vocal styles, music theory, ear training, and sight-singing. Students learn a wide array of songs (classical, pop, musical theatre, etc.) in three- or four-part harmony. The advanced class requires an audition, recommendation from a previous choir director, and/or completion of intermediate choir. Students may participate in: Song and Dance Concerts, Opportunity to audition/perform with District Honors Choir, Performance(s) at theme parks, and Open Mic Night.
The course does not require an audition and will cover beginning/intermediate vocal styles, music theory, ear training, and sight singing. Students learn a wide array of songs (classical, pop, musical theatre, etc.) in two/- or three-part harmony. Beginning students are encouraged to enroll. Students participate in the following: the Song and Dance Concert and the Open Mic Night.
This is a year-long course open to 7th- and 8th-grade students. Through writing, thinking, and peer criticism, students will become better readers, writers, and thinkers. Not only will students enjoy developing original pieces, but they will also learn writing skills that will most definitely help them in their other classes, especially English.
The Beginning Guitar class is open to all students who wish to learn acoustic guitar. Prior musical knowledge is recommended, but not required. Students demonstrate proper technique while learning basic chords, music theory, note reading, and rhythms in preparation for public performances of various genres. *We do ask that each student provide their own classical or acoustic guitar for home/concert use. If there are any financial concerns, do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Olsen.
*Video Audition Required. To join Advanced Guitar, students must have completed one year in the Beginning Guitar class; otherwise, a video audition is required. If you were in a guitar class at El Rancho last year, you do not need to complete a video audition. We expound on the basic elements and cover more complex chords, improvisation, and scales, culminating in a Rock Band Concert on electric or bass guitar. We do ask that each student provide their own classical or acoustic guitar for home/concert use. If there are any financial concerns, do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Olsen. It would also be helpful for students to have their own electric guitar, but that is not required.
*Application Required. This class is open to students who are highly motivated to improve their leadership through their involvement in campus activities and student government. Students will work collaboratively to plan events, recognition programs, and community events. Interviews may be a part of the selection process.
*Audition (voice and dance) and Application required. This program is open by audition only. Both voice and dance auditions, along with applications, are required for enrollment. Please note that there are fees for field trips, and a class donation is requested. The program focuses on musical theatre, with studies in acting, voice, and dance. All accepted students will automatically be enrolled in an MT Dance PE class that emphasizes jazz and musical theatre dance styles, as well as rehearsals for various performances.
Students may participate in the following activities:
The Intermediate String Orchestra class welcomes all students interested in playing the violin, viola, cello, or string bass. While prior musical knowledge is recommended, it is not a requirement. The curriculum includes topics such as music theory, rhythms, note reading, articulation, dynamics, and tone quality, all aimed at developing musicianship and enhancing performance skills across various styles.
*Video Audition Required. The Advanced String Orchestra class is open to all students interested in playing the violin, viola, cello, or string bass. To join, students must have completed one year in the Intermediate String Orchestra; otherwise, a video audition is required. If you participated in a string orchestra class at El Rancho last year, you do not need to submit a video audition. This course will build on the fundamentals of music theory, rhythms, note reading, accent, dynamics, and tone quality to enhance musicianship and develop professional performance skills across various styles.
This class covers beginning to intermediate acting, various theatre styles, theatre history, and introductory studies of Greek Theatre, Molière, and Shakespeare. It includes improvisation, playwriting, and design. The course is designed to be fun and interactive, providing a broad overview of theatre arts, with a strong emphasis on scene study and performance. Students are expected to be focused, enthusiastic, and willing to participate fully in class. All skill levels are welcome.
Throughout the course, students will engage in the following activities:
*Application Required. This course is a hands-on publication experience in which students are part of a team tasked with successfully publishing the school’s annual yearbook. Students learn design, photography, and some basic journalism while working on themes, graphic elements, and stories about the year’s events. This is a student-driven and produced publication.
Cinematic Storytelling and Analysis is a Common Core-aligned elective in which students explore the evolution of cinema, from the invention of silent film to the rise of modern blockbusters and streaming-era storytelling. From the silent-era pioneers to today’s blockbuster universes, students will break down iconic scenes, explore major genres, and discover how editing, sound design, acting, and cinematography work together to shape emotion and meaning. The class is taught by Mr. Castro, who brings real Hollywood experience as a body double and featured extra on productions like Grey’s Anatomy, The Last of Us, The Idol, and more. With his industry experience and a visually rich curriculum, students get an insider’s look at filmmaking while building media literacy and storytelling skills.
Learn the basics of programming in this 3-part, year-long class. Students will start with app development, followed by 3D game design and HTML/CSS web design. This is a fast-paced, deadline-oriented class for our 8th-grade tech-savvy students. Attention to detail and working well under pressure are essentials for this course, as well as basic computer skills. This is the Computer Science class taken to the next level. Intro to Computers or Business Concepts 1/Computer Science are highly recommended as a prerequisite for this course.
This course is a hands-on visual arts experience, in which students will explore drawing and painting as creative and expressive endeavors. Students will create original works in a variety of mediums and artistic techniques. Students will learn to speak about and analyze visual arts, some historical and cultural aspects, learn about current technology in visual arts, experience connections to other arts and disciplines, and be introduced to careers in drawing, painting, and design. Students will develop a portfolio of artwork for assessment and exhibition.
*Application Required. The library is a place where both students and staff can check out reading materials, textbooks, and other resources. The library also has a computer lab where students take AR tests and use the internet for various school-related subjects. Students learn about the library computer systems, make ID cards, work in the print shop, run call slips, and manage the computer carts. Students decorate and clean the library. It is also the home of Mojo and Penny, our Therapy Dogs. Applicants must not have had a D, F, N, or U.
*Application Required. Office TAs primarily assist the Attendance Office. Some of the activities are writing and delivering call slips, checking in late students, making copies, sorting, alphabetizing, and filing. This class is a leadership position. Office TAs work closely with office staff, school administrators, and teachers. Students will learn to prioritize, multitask, respect confidentiality, and work independently. Applicants must not have had a D, F, N, or U.
This course provides students with the essential tools and knowledge they need to make smart financial decisions, develop a budget, manage debt, and plan for the future. Based on Dave Ramsey's Foundations in Personal Finance, the course aims to empower students to take control of their financial well-being, regardless of their financial starting point.
*Application Required. This elective is a hands-on leadership position in a PE class. Students will take on responsibilities including setting up equipment, recording times, modeling activities, and assisting with grading. PE TAs are chosen based on the leadership qualities they’ve displayed in their regular PE class. All interested students need to inquire with their current PE teacher for available positions for the next school year.
Please see the complete course description for Spanish 1A. This Spanish 1 class is the equivalent of High School Spanish 1. It is designed for highly motivated, honors-level students who are ready to work at an accelerated pace and complete the course in one year rather than two. Students will be prepared to enter Spanish 2 in 9th Grade. This course requires a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Please see the complete course description for Spanish 1A. Spanish 1B is a continuation of 1A, completing the equivalent of the first “year” of High School Spanish 1. By the end of 8th grade, students will be prepared to enter Spanish 2 in 9th Grade.
Wood Shop is a course in which students learn to understand and create working drawings and classroom projects. With a primary focus on safety, students will be expected to conceptualize, design, and initiate their projects using their hands, power tools, and any other resources the class provides.
181 South Del Giorgio | Anaheim Hills, California 92808 | Phone 714-997-6238 | Attendance 714-628-5427 | Fax 714-281-8791
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